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Thursday, May 11, 2017

2017 Summer Beauty Essentials

Although it has been a cold spring here in Toronto I’m
looking forward to fun in the sun, drinks on the patio and warm beach days.
Today I’m sharing some cute summer products that are totally on-trend this
season including hair essentials, makeup and bath products that will transport
you to an exotic destination.

Mark’s Havana Sol Collection celebrates the energy of Cuba
with tropical scents and bright pigments. The body wash ($14.00) is infused
with a vibrant blend of fresh papaya, dark rum and warm velvet woods to create
a blissful experience as you foam away the dirt, pollution and debris of a long
day. The indulgent scent and relaxing lather leaves you feeling fresh and
clean. The Mark Body Butter ($14.00) is my all-time favorite formula because of
the super rich, hydrating texture. Infused with lush coconut oil, shea and aloe
the cream melts in deeply to nourish, soften and soothe dry, flaky skin for 24
hours of relief. The soothing scent smells like summer in a jar and although it
may be a bit too heavy for warm weather it does rejuvenate the body at night.

The collection also includes the Havana Sol Cheek Magnet
Hook Up Blush-Bronzer ($18.00). Usually Mark delivers on intense pigmentation
but these shades are very sheer and require many layers to create a visible flush.
Although the bronzer doesn’t really work on my skin tone and the glitter seems
to scatter, the subtle shimmer can be used on the body. If you have fair skin
these shades may appear more prominent but better color payoff would have made
the compact more useable.

The Havana Eye Palette ($18.00) contains some pretty
poolside hues including cool lavender, deep blue and bright aqua offset by a
range of shimmery greys and champagne. The finishes range from sheer to medium
coverage but you can layer over primer and build them up for more intensity. Mark
is available at avon.ca or through independent consultants.

When it comes to cute hair accessories I love the new
designs by Tangle Teezer. The pink flamingo print is perfect for summer and the
brush keeps my hair knot-free, smooth and sleek while on-the-go.

I like that it has a cap to protect the bristles while in my
bag and the curved design fits comfortably in the hand for precise brushing
from root to tip. The flexible teeth make detangling less painful for neat,
frizz-free styles and I also have the pink animal print. The travel brushes
retail for $25.00.

The new Professional Finishing Brush ($30.00) is designed to
smooth and create shine with long, flexible bristles that glide through my
thick hair with ease. It also massages the scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy
growth while eliminating pesky knots without pain or breakage. Although the handle is a bit short I love the hot
pink color. Tangle Teezer is available at Sephora.

Whether I’m strolling through the farmer’s market or running
errands on Saturday morning I often stop for my favorite iced coffee or summer
drink. The new Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Set ($13.77) contains 8 popular
beverage inspired balms including: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Cinnamon Chai Latte,
Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Frappe, Mandarin Mint Tea, Green Tea, Lemonade,
Watermelon Lemonade and Pomegranate Ice Tea. These delicious balms will keep
your pout soft and smooth all season long and this set is available at Walmart,
Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, well.ca and Lawtons.

Most of us hate to shave but when it’s time to break out your summer wardrobe it must be done. Avon’s Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth
Moisturizing Shave Oil ($10.00) infused with shea butter and vitamins makes the
task easier by transforming into a milky lotion on wet skin and creating a slippery
surface for smoother glide and suppleness. Unlike heavy shaving creams this one doesn’t clog
my razor and it provides a close shave with fewer cuts.

Paul & Joe has also released some pretty makeup
including the Powder Blush Duo in shade 003 Mon Canard. This frosty pink and
dusty rose function more as highlights with a pop of subtle color and silky
sheen for a radiant glow. It retails for $21.00 and you can pick up the refillable
case with spring motif for $8.00.

The About Pearl Foundation Primer in Silky Bon-Bon has a
lightweight water based formula that provides dewy hydration and the illusion
of crystal clear skin. Infused with orange flower water, white lily, jojoba
oil, apricot extract and sparkling pearls it smooths, minimizes
pores and blurs imperfections to create an even canvass for makeup application.
The formula feels refreshing with no heavy residue or stickiness which is ideal for warm weather and I love the cute nail polish bottle design!
The primer retails for $40.00 and Paul & Joe is available at
beautyboutique.ca and Shoppers Drug Mart.

It isn’t a summer roundup without some fabulous lip products
and recently I’ve rediscovered the NYX Soft Matte Lip creams. The lush formula
provide layers of comfortable moisture with intense, vivid color that lasts for
hours. They retail for $9.00 each and come in a wide variety of trendy hues at nyx.ca, drugstores and freestanding locations.